Vin Mon Lapin, Montréal: What’s the buzz?
Vin Mon Lapin may seem like an overnight success, but the award-winning restaurant in Montréal’s Little Italy turns seven this year.
“For the first two years, it was a no-reservation type of wine bar,” says chef and co-owner Marc-Olivier Frappier. Then, when the pandemic hit, the restaurant had the opportunity to expand to 50 seats. “Otherwise, the idea behind the restaurant remains the same.”
What began modestly as a “concept-less” neighbourhood wine bar (Frappier’s wife and partner, Vanya Filipovic, heads up the sommelier program) suddenly caught fire, topping Canada's 100 Best Restaurants two years in a row. “I thought that 2023 was maybe a fluke,” says Frappier. “But in 2024, we were super surprised.”
Humility notwithstanding, Vin Mon Lapin’s cooking DNA speaks for itself. Filopovic was part of the team that opened Montréal legend Joe Beef where Frappier was the chef. The pair went on to open the intimate Vin Papillon in 2013, followed by Vins Dame-Jeanne two years later.
“We’re young veterans, let’s say.” Frappier describes the atmosphere at the restaurant as a “kitchen island party,” where guests hang out until tables are ready as if they were being hosted by friends. “Jessica Noël [another co-owner] and I wanted to cook food from the producers and farmers we like to work with and have them tell us what's going on the menu.”
Only two items are always on the menu. “A scallop sandwich that we call the Croque Pétoncle,” and the Gâteau Sarrasin, a buckwheat and honey cake flanked by crispy ladyfingers.
Vin Mon Lapin, Montréal: Why is it worth the trip?
This isn’t just hype. With Filipovic and co-owner Alex Landry, voted Canada's Best Sommeliers, pouring glasses from their progressive wine program, and some of the province’s finest tastemakers showcasing Quebec’s terroir, Vin Mon Lapin is a rare beast.
The fifth and final co-owner is hospitality wizard Marc-Antoine Gélinas, who makes every guest at this Little Italy spot feel like family. “We wanted to be a place where our neighbours could decide to come last minute.” Vin Mon Lapin has stayed true to what made diners fall in love with it in the first place, cementing its place among spots like Toqué! and upholding the Quebecois’ culinary standing. “We're proud of not only winning, but of representing Montréal. It’s pretty special.”
